In the face of harder economic times and high gas prices, online sales are experiencing a nice boost. Retailers are seeing a drop in store sales, but an increase in online sales. So it seems online book sales could be recession proof after all.

While going into a physical retail location will always be a popular option, more people are turning to the Web for careful research on purchases, closest locales, and Internet-only offers. Gas prices are driving even computer illiterates to become more Internet savvy in order to save money. A recent New York Times article notes that e-commerce sales are expected to surpass $200 billion in 2008, up from $175 billion in 2007, according to Forrester Research.

Online book sales could see gains despite the recession. Publishers and book marketers alike should strive to capitalize on the Internet’s strengths. Internet marketing campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), online social networks, and blog ads will prove particularly worthwhile in the times ahead.